Flying into Salt Lake City, I was immediately in awe at the sights below me - the picture perfect snowy postcard of capped white majestic mountains as far as the eye could see.

We’re talking prime Instagram humble-bragging-pictures here (something I did far too often, much to the envy of those at home).

Checking into the Kimpton Hotel Monaco was an absolute dream. The rooms are extremely spacious, with a living area in each suite to make the space feel less of a ‘place to sleep’ and more of a chill-out vibe after busy days.

For the skiers out there, you’re within an hour’s drive of ten world-class ski resorts. For those who are wanting to experience the city and its nightlife, you’re right in the heart of the area and only a ten-minute walk from historic temple square.

For anyone travelling alone, make sure to head down to the hosted wine reception each evening — here you’ll be able to pick up all the secrets of the area from the lovely hotel manager.

Friendly locals quickly passed on the tip that investing in the Salt Lake Connect Pass is more than worth the $32 price tag.

Not only does it get you into the National History Museum, but also other popular tourist hotspots like the Clark Planetarium, and the Museum of Natural Curiosity.

Taking my local knowledge with me, I headed up to the aforementioned National History Museum where I easily found out more about the history of Salt Lake City.

There’s a load of interactive elements for children (and adults) and it has in-depth collections looking at the formation of the area, plus some fantastically intimidating dinosaur fossils.

If you’re a non-driver like me, the best way to get around is by Uber. I quickly discovered I would also get a tour guide thanks to how friendly and welcoming the locals are. One driver even went 20 minutes out of his way to The National History museum just to show me all of the university campus, explaining the history behind each building — all for no extra cost.

He even pointed out some fun facts around town. If you’ve got kids, make sure to check out East High School, where most of High School Musical was filmed.

GO: Salt Lake City

The price includes return Virgin Atlantic flights from Edinburgh to Salt Lake City via New York, three nights at Hotel Monaco, two nights at Waldorf Astoria Park City and two nights at Bigelow Hotel Ogden and all-inclusive mid-size car.

MORE INFO: For more on the Kimpton Hotel Monaco see monaco-saltlakecity.com and for all you need to plan a trip to Salt Lake City and Utah see visitutah.com/uk

Of course, no trip to Salt Lake City would be complete without visiting Temple Square where you can see what the city was built around. Spanning over a massive ten acres of land, right in the centre, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offers stunning architecture and visitor centres on either side of the square offer history and tour guides.

Unfortunately, you’re unable to view the inside of The Temple, but there’s plenty more to see around the square — and if you’re heading in the winter make sure to walk through the gardens to see their famous 14,000 Christmas lights in action.

Mormons, the nickname for Elders and Sisters, are available to give you a tour around the area, including taking you to the best view of all of Temple Square up in the 10th floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building (again, expect Instagram envy from everyone back home).

For shopping fans, make sure to check out City Creek Mall, right across from Temple Square for all your favourite American chain stores.

Salt Lake City is home to the Utah Jazz and no matter what, you need to catch a game of basketball at the Zinnit Stadium — even if you’re not a sports fan. The entertainment on offer during the game is worth it alone, but if you’re anything like me — who had never been to a basketball game — you’ll end up purchasing a whole load of Jazz gear and become a lover of the sport and the local team (GO JAZZ!).

If you’re looking for something more quirky, then make sure to chat to the locals at the game. Everyone is so enthusiastic about their city and will gladly take you through everywhere you need to visit — including all the secret information that you won’t find in tour guides!

First off, there’s 9th and 9th described locally as ‘the heart of hip’. Here you’ll find local boutiques, independent businesses and the most adorable kids shop, The Children’s Hour.

If you’re looking to take something back home, then you need to stop into Cahoots. Boasting that “they’re serious . . . about fun”, you’ll find some great unique gifts with a low price-tag.

Make sure to ask the owner about where to head to next — he took the time to draw me a map of the best indy shops around that won’t break the bank!

Using his knowledge I headed off to 15th and 15th and fell in love with the upcoming area — it’s really hard not to, as everywhere you look has a backdrop of the stunning snow mountains behind.

This tiny district is home to what has to be the best bookstore I’ve ever visited. Quirky, comforting and run by huge lovers of books, The King’s English bookshop is like no other.

Their recommendations alone make you want to spend hours chatting to the store owners, but it’s their children’s area that really shows how much they want to pass down their love of books to the next generation.

Heading downtown, bargain hunters are in for a treat with Iconoclad, a local thrift shop that gives back to the community through payment schemes for those that provide clothing. For as little as $20, you can pick up a cool outfit for hitting the town that night, with the added bonus of petting the cats within the store.

To round off the perfect day head to Eva where everything on the menu sounds amazing, and the best part is . . . you don’t have to choose just one thing!

The tapas-style small dishes in the cozy restaurant makes it the perfect host for groups.

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